Cedar Breaks National Monument offers breathtaking scenery

Using tools of water and wind, nature continues to carve a geological and scenic wonderland at Cedar Breaks National Monument in Southwestern Utah on the western edge of the high Markagunt Plateau. Forests of pine and fir sweep up to the 10,000-foot rim, where vividly colored stone carved into strange shapes tumbles into a 2,000-foot chasm.

Snow lies heavily upon the plateau with freezing temperatures 250 days a year. Cedar Breaks enjoys a brief four months snow-free, open to use generally from June through mid-October. The season may be short, but it is truly glorious, entrancing the thousands of visitors who annually stop at Cedar Breaks.

To reach Cedar Breaks, follow Interstate 15 north into Utah to Cedar City, 170 miles from Las Vegas. In Cedar City, turn on Highway 14 to climb 18 miles toward the plateau through lovely Cedar Canyon. One of the most scenic side roads in Utah, this road reveals splendid views of Cedar Breaks from below and Zion National Park from above. At the junction with Highway 148, turn north for the four-mile drive to Cedar Breaks.

Entering the park costs $4 per person over age 16, except for park volunteers and holders of interagency park passes, which waive entrance fees and cut camping fees in half. Inquire about purchasing a lifetime pass at the visitor center, at $10 a real bargain for American senior or disabled citizens.

Point Supreme, a premier Cedar Breaks overlook, serves as a hub for activities in this small alpine park. The visitor center, housed in a restored log building dating from the monument's early days in the 1930s, stays open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., MDT. Pick up guides for three park hiking trails. Check posted schedules for activities such as ranger talks, walks and evening campfire programs on a variety of subjects. For specifics, call (435) 586-9451.

The nearby Point Supreme Campground boasts 28 campsites, available on a first-come basis for $14 per night. Campsites are designed for tents or RVs, but none have hookups. The campground fills up fast on weekends and holidays. If you cannot find a site at Cedar Breaks, try forest service campgrounds nearby or private campgrounds in surrounding communities.

Even before the snow melts away, the first wildflowers appear in the monument's meadows, along trails and beside the roads. Brief, but spectacular, the high mountain wildflower season peaks this month, providing reason enough to celebrate. The Fifth Annual Cedar Breaks Wildflower Festival is in full sway until July 18. During the festival, wildflower specialists and expert volunteers guide walks, lead field trips and conduct photography workshops daily from 10 a.m. Check out junior ranger programs for youngsters and classes for adults conducted by the Zion Canyon Field Institute. During the festival, books and other items related to wildflowers on sale in the gift shop will be half-price.

Because of the high elevation and lack of competing ambient light, the nighttime skies at Cedar Breaks are ideal for stargazing. Star parties scheduled on moonless nights draw crowds to Point Supreme. Bundled against the night's chill, they gather for an introductory program, then move to large telescopes set up at the rim. Visitors with their own telescopes are encouraged to bring them. Star parties hosted by staff and astronomy volunteers take place Thursday, Saturday and July 12; Aug. 7, 9 and 11; and Sept. 6, 8 and 10.

Cedar Breaks received national mention as one of the country's eight best unique destinations for viewing fall color. The color season begins in mid-September and is over by mid-October. Join other fall color enthusiasts at the visitor center Sept. 19 for a free showing of a classic movie filmed in or near the monument in autumn. Popcorn is included.

Use Cedar Breaks as a hub for scenic drives. Follow the rest of Highway 14, the byways to Panquitch or Mammoth Creek or the Kolob backway to Zion. Explore the area for a lava cave, an ice cavern and a cascading waterfall.

Margo Bartlett Pesek's column appears on Sundays.